On October 30, 2026, the Immigration Department (ImmD) announced that, effective November 1, 2026, the visa-free period of stay in Hong Kong for holders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) who have obtained pre-clearance from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will be extended to 90 days.
According to an ImmD spokesman, five participating economies of the ABTC Scheme, namely China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, will extend the maximum period of stay for visiting ABTC holders from 60 days to 90 days. The specific implementation timeline will be determined by the relevant countries.
Effective November 1, 2026, ABTC holders who have obtained pre-clearance from the HKSAR will have their maximum visa-free period of stay in the HKSAR extended from 60 days to 90 days. Other immigration arrangements regarding the entry of ABTC holders into the HKSAR will remain unchanged.
At present, there are 19 economies participating in the ABTC Scheme: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. In addition, the United States and Canada are transitional members of the ABTC Scheme and do not process pre-clearance applications referred by other participating economies. ABTC holders are still required to meet relevant entry requirements, including applying for necessary visas (if applicable).
Hong Kong residents holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card and a valid national passport are eligible to apply for an ABTC from the ImmD. Applicants must be bona fide business persons who need to travel frequently to APEC economies for short-term business visits, have no criminal record and have never been refused entry to any of the participating economies.
An ABTC is normally valid for five years. ABTC holders who have obtained pre-clearance from relevant participating economies can enjoy a visa-free period of stay for not less than 60 days. ABTC holders may also use the special service lanes at selected control points of the participating economies for speedy immigration clearance.
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